Between Halloween and New Years, in much of the Western world, there is a host of celebrations that revolve around food. This should not be surprising – food has been a part of celebrations and gatherings as long as people have been meeting together. Even otherwise austere holidays like Ramadan and Yom Kippur conclude with a large feast.

Because most of us have grown up with a number of these celebrations – spiritual, cultural, or secular – as part of our family or community, we often associate certain days or times of the year with foods, smells, and flavors that bring us feelings of warmth and happiness. This is generally very positive and is something that fosters social and family connections and happy lifelong memories.

But if you are trying to manage your weight, then the holiday season can bring with it a number of food-associated challenges. Halloween candy begins appearing in September, and from that point on you can’t step into a store without a dizzying display of delicious holiday treats.

When the candy disappears, the pumpkin and pecan pies quickly replace it, and right around the corner are the eggnog and gingerbread.

All these treats are usually on display at the front of the store or right next to the non-treat foods you’re buying for yourself or your family. They are also everywhere else! The coffee shop, the break room at work, your neighbor’s kitchen – everywhere!

Other things also happen during the holiday season. Your social calendar starts to fill up with open houses and holiday parties. Your friends bring you treats. You spend time away from home with friends or family members who eat differently than you do.

You might live someplace where the weather gets really cold, or wet, or snowy, or icy – and it’s also getting dark earlier – so your activity levels drop because that morning walk or getting up in the dark to go to the gym is really hard.

It’s really no surprise that weight loss is the second most common New Year’s Resolution (right behind saving money).

So here are some strategies for staying the course and not gaining too much weight during the holidays. Try these tips for keeping your weight in check during the holidays. 

1. Ditch the candy

If you are reading this and you still have Halloween candy in your house, then toss it! No, really – just do it. Those tiny candy bars are way too easy to snack on. But at 50-100 calories a pop, that can be 30 minutes on a treadmill for 30 seconds of enjoyment. Let them go. They will be back next year.

2. When you go shopping make a list – and stick to it

Most of the holiday treats in markets are in displays nowhere near the healthy foods you need to make your meals. Having a list helps you stay focused and avoid impulse buys.

3. Remind yourself that holiday treats are best enjoyed during the holidays

Eggnog can be in the dairy case for two months, but it doesn’t need to be in your refrigerator for more than a couple of days over the holidays. Save your treats for the ones that matter, like the amazing cookies your mom makes or the pie you wait for that coworker to bring to the office party each year.

And the delicious fat and carb fest that only happens when you mix yams, buttery mashed potatoes, and stuffing all together and smother them with gravy. If you only do those things once, then you’re okay – but leave the leftovers for someone else and follow your regular diet on the other days.

4. Don’t go hungry

Whether it’s a family gathering, a neighborhood party, or a holiday lunch with friends, don’t go famished. People often think the best strategy for staying on track is to cut calories before a special event – but when you do this your blood sugar is too low and your stomach is growling.

Having a healthy lunch before the family dinner or a protein shake before the buffet will help you control your portions and choices, so you don’t overdo it. Check out some great protein shakes here.

5. Try to keep moving

We often break our routines during the holidays due to weather, travel, or just being extra busy. But try to keep those workouts on your calendar if you can. You can also invite a friend or relative to take a walk or join you at a yoga class instead of going to lunch. If you are traveling, then find a local place you can get out and move – a lot of local gyms and studios welcome guests. Extra credit if you’re trying a new exercise!

6. Manage your stress

Holidays are both wonderful and stressful. Keep breathing, get enough sleep, and remember to follow these tips for keeping your weight in check during the holidays. 

If you need more ideas for managing stress, consider Thorne’s Craving and Stress Support, formulated with six B vitamins and two plant extracts to support a balanced cortisol level.* For a more detailed analysis of your adrenal health, consider an at-home cortisol test from Thorne.